My betta started to lie on the bottom of his tank last night about 10 pm. So, I checked the nitrite level and it was .25. So, I changed his water, added aquarium salt and API's Stress Zyme. Still no change. I noticed that he has a weird behavior. He will lie there for awhile, then swim around the tank fast for like 2 times, then get some air and rest again on the bottom. I have had him for about 2 1/2 months. He is in a 3 gallon, bio-wheel, carbon filtered tank. I clean the tank about 25% every week. Last night I cleaned it about 50%. He was eating regularly, but I didn't feed him yesterday. If I come over to his tank to look in, then he will get up and come over. Last night while cleaning the tank he was his usual self--swimming around investigating everything while I cleaned it.
Could it be chemicals from the rocks I have in the tank? I got them from PetCo? They have an iridescence on them. I use spring water in my tank and water conditioner, and aquarium salt. 83 degrees aver.
2007-07-12 01:53:21 · 4 answers · asked by Mia 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Could he be depressed? How can you tell if its that or sickness?
2007-07-12 01:57:11 · update #1
That doesn't really sound like anything to worry about to me. I would say watch him carefully for a day or so to see if he continues to act differently or if anything else appears that's unusual.
I wouldn't be worried about chemicals from the rocks either. From a large pet store they should be safe and also the carbon in your filter would remove minor impurities anyway.
MM
2007-07-12 02:36:51 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure I can exactly answer your question but I will say that I have had my bettas for just over 3 years now and all I do is change out the water in their fish bowl once every two weeks. I just use drinking water you buy in gallon jugs at the grocery store. I have never used any chemicals or salts and they do not live in an aquarium, just plain big bowls (one is at work and the other is t home.) However...they do sometimes act crazy like your fish. So maybe it is just a natural betta behavior thing.
2007-07-12 09:05:28 · answer #2 · answered by Charlee598 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really sounds normal. A Betta is not high speed fish. You sound like your more acute than most in your knowledge of tank maintenance. I would just continue to watch him but go back a typical water regimen. You need those good bacteria.
You really have no way of knowing how old the fish was when you purchased him an considering the relatively short life cycle of Betta's you may want to prepare yourself for a new fish. But I dont think your care would be to blame if this happens!
2007-07-12 10:10:13 · answer #3 · answered by ROCKET 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may be sick or it may be dying . is it turning pale? How long have you had it? if its lived pretty long, very well may be dying, my betta rainbow, had his head in the rocks several days.im not sure if you can do anything. just know that whatever happens , God wanted it to happen.:)
2007-07-12 09:02:20 · answer #4 · answered by Christina 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋